The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is one of the nation’s eight uniformed services and NOAA Corps officers are an integral part of NOAA. With approximately 360 officers and growing, the NOAA Corps supports nearly all of NOAA’s programs and missions. The combination of commissioned service and scientific expertise makes these officers uniquely capable of leading some of NOAA’s most important initiatives. Meet NOAA Corps officer Capt. Marc Moser.
Editor’s note: Capt. Moser is retiring soon but departs with the recognition that he is the NOAA Corps officer with the most days at sea in his career. Bravo Zulu and fair winds, Capt. Moser.
What do you do as a NOAA Corps Officer?
I am currently stationed in Louisiana where four new NOAA ships are under construction (Oceanographer, Discoverer, Surveyor and Navigator). I am the Prospective Commanding Officer for the Oceanographer which means that I plan for the ship’s transition to operations, provide an operator's perspective to the manufacturer when questions come up, and help to identify potential issues during construction for the U.S. Navy and NOAA personnel managing the contract. Construction for the first two ships, Oceanographer and Discoverer, is a Navy-led acquisition. I still get out to sail in the NOAA fleet a couple of times a year to support the next generation of ship Commanding Officers.
What inspired you to become a NOAA Corps Officer?
After graduating from Oregon State University with an undergraduate degree in General Science, I tried many things. I was aware of the NOAA Corps before I graduated but wanted to try out a few things before deciding to pursue a career with NOAA. I tried internships, many temporary jobs, work at a gas station, work at a restaurant (I am not a very good cook) and the U.S. Peace Corps. All of these experiences were great to help me narrow in on what I wanted to do next. Maneuvering and navigating ships and small boats sounded both fun and intimidating to the younger me. Seeing where the ships operated and all the different science missions for NOAA was too intriguing of an opportunity to pass up. I also liked to travel and see new things. After returning to the U.S. after my time with the Peace Corps I applied and got accepted into the NOAA Corps. NOAA took me in and provided training and experiences I would not have found anywhere else. As I described it to my aunt Rita back then, it was my dream job.
What was one of your favorite experiences?
Over the course of my career I have completed six sea tours on six different ships and sailed on a total of 13 NOAA vessels for a total of 13 years and 9 months of sea duty over the course of my 27 year career with NOAA. Out of my sea assignments, the most challenging and rewarding were the three Commanding Officer assignments. My first Commanding Officer assignment aboard a ship being described during my off-going Change of Command as “having a face only a mother could love” was my favorite experience. Did I make mistakes? Yes. Did the ship have issues? Yes. With the shoreside support, the Wardroom and professional mariners attached to the ship, we overcame those challenges to be a productive platform.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a NOAA Corps officer?
Do your own research and make sure a career with NOAA is a fit for your goals. When I did my research, I used all the sources available at the time including the internet, microfiche news articles at the library, and talking to people. Discuss with people you look up to (I talked to my uncle Clark). Go into your decision clear-eyed and without reservation.
Once you are in the organization, seek out those challenging assignments that push you outside your comfort zone. Pursue increased responsibility at every stage of your career. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Make a positive impact on the organization and the people you work with.